Rugby: Plenty in reserve as England romp to victory

Henry Taylor scored two tries for England. Photo / Getty Images

England 38
Australia 24

England sounded an ominous warning to other Junior World Championship sides.

And the message was emphatic: if you want our crown, you'll have to bring plenty to the table.

They opted to start without their campaign captain Callum Braley. But they had secured the bonus point at the 43rd minute mark, and looked like they had another gear.

Australia flew out of the blocks and a long burst by No 8 Ross Haylett-Perry led to a scrum from which a sweetly executed 12-13-11 "lefto" move saw Andrew Kellaway dive over for his first.

But England were playing at a furious pace, Billy Burns was slotting the goals, and none was quicker or more dangerous than No 11 Nathan Earle.

He actually ran on the right wing, and caused the Australian defensive line some major headaches. Halfback Henry Taylor was the first to benefit, scoring two tries in quick succession. Then Earle was able to wrestle his way over for the first of his brace after another promising movement. The Saracen runs a bit like former England flyer Tom Varndell. His raw potential looks limitless. Australia stayed in touch through sheer cussedness and committed defence, but they were like King Canute attempting to stem the tide.

They scored an extraordinary try when, from a backpedalling scrum, No 10 Jake McIntyre channelled his inner Mark Ella and jinked over between the uprights.

England 38 (Henry Taylor 2, Nathan Earle 2, Gus Jones tries; Billy Burns 5 cons, pen)

Australia 24 (Andrew Kellaway 2, Jake McIntyre tries; McIntyre 3 cons, pen) HT: 24-17